Another IMPROV 101 starts today at the DSI Comedy Theater. No, I’m not marketing that class. Maybe. No, not really. Besides, the class was Sold Out two weeks ago. (YAY!) Return to topic: I wanted to write about our program and why IMPROV 101 remains important for people at ALL levels of play. I also wanted to highlight our new teachers and how they got to teach for the DSI Comedy Training Center.
Our Training Center has taught over 800 students since 2003. We have enrolled and taught college students, working professionals, local and regional actors, writers, therapists – people who should be IN therapy – and almost EVERYONE IN BETWEEN. Our program has catered to all demographics, with students ages 17 to 65* over the past 7 years taking New 101 classes starting Every Month. Only some students have their hearts set on taking the stage at DSI (at first), while most are searching for a creative alternative outlet for personal and/or professional development. Chamber Leadership program pictured below.
*Our youth classes offer similar opportunities for kids ages 5-16, mostly during the summer months at half- and full-day camps. (Check them out, 2010 schedule online soon)
Why do people take classes with DSI?
We take our job, as comedians, seriously. Our program offers students the most comprehensive course of study in the Southeast. We teach people how to project positivity, how to communicate effectively and get the most out of EVERY scenario. And more importantly, with our own clear expectation and feedback model, as DSI students perform and laugh together, the skills they develop resonate deeper and last longer.
Why do our students start in IMPROV 101 regardless of experience?
Our philosophy at DSI is not altogether different than other improv companies – We teach “Yes And” and cover the same fundamentals – But our approach to the work is very specific and 101 sets the stage (pun intended) for success in the program and continued success on- and off-stage. Humility is the backbone of unconditional support and the sense of team that our work requires.
Who are the DSI Faculty? How did they get to teach?
ALL DSI Faculty are required to go through the curriculum three times for the class they are studying to teach. Twice as student. Once as Student-Teacher. During the second student phase they are actively re-creating the syllabus (from experience), taking notes on every class, noting exactly what to say and how to explain WHY we do the exercises we do. During the student-teacher phase, new faculty are joined by myself or another veteran instructor. We are there to actively support the new faculty member, offering input when invited to do so, to make sure our DSI students get the most out of the class.
Why we drill the specific WHAT? and WHY?
We work very hard to train people to be better teachers, not just better performers. We also recognize that most performers (and our teachers) ultimately develop their own philosophy of play but, as DSI Training Center Faculty, we teach the DSI philosophy of play consistently to ensure that EVERY one of our students walks away with the same vocabulary and cumulative experience.
Who do we have on tap?
Because we had a system of training set-up it was easy for DSI Comedy Theater to offer its curriculums for sale. As such, our classes are also being taught by Universities and by Carolina Improv Company for the public in Myrtle Beach (CIC currently certified to teach our IMPROV 101 and 201).
What do you think?
